Whoever wants to study in Germany quickly comes across the TestDaF and wonders whether telc is also enough. The two have different purposes. Here you learn which certificate is intended for study.
telc or TestDaF: the difference
How ready are you really?
Your Ready-Score shows you in a mock exam where you stand today. Free, no risk.
The TestDaF is an academic language test developed specifically for admission to study at German universities. It moves in the B2 to C1 range and is usually accepted by universities as proof of language. telc is more broadly positioned and intended for many everyday and professional purposes. For study, therefore, the TestDaF or a comparable university exam is usually the right way. Which proofs your university accepts is decided by the university itself. Whether telc and Goethe are equivalent is clarified in are telc and Goethe equivalent. For a full overview, see which German certificate do I need.
What to watch for
- For study, universities often require the TestDaF or a university entrance exam.
- For work and everyday life, telc at B2 level is frequently the right choice.
- Always check the exact requirements of your university or your programme.
Which level you need is clarified in do you need B1 or B2, and a broader classification is given by which German certificate do I need.
If telc is your goal
If you need telc for work or everyday life, you can prepare specifically. How the exam runs is shown on the page on the telc B2 exam.
The bottom line
TestDaF and telc have different purposes: TestDaF targets study, telc everyday life and work. Check what your university or authority requires, then you choose correctly.
